AgdaPkt 2003-02-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lupita Escobedo read a letter regarding the death of Rick Escobedo. Robert Escobedo stated that he was present to tell the City Council that his family still does not know what happened to his brother and asked that Council look at the situation. He urged City Council to establish an outside oversight committee or auditor's office of the Police Department. Mesha Irizarry, founder of "Victory over Violence ", a support group for families whose loved ones have been disabled or killed by law enforcement. She stated her son was killed at the Mission Theatre on June 13, 2001 by nine officers. She further stated her support of the Escobedo family. She stated that the use of excessive force must end. Armando Olvera asked what it will take for consideration of a citizens' oversight review board to monitor the Police Department. He further asked what it will take for Council to take action against the Police Department's actions against our citizens. He stated the solution is to have an independent citizens' oversight review board implemented as part of Redwood City's governmental policies where citizens can file complaints, be heard, have them documented and recorded. Al Perez stated that he was present to support the Escobedo family. He stated that he wants to trust the Police and that the community has given ample support in terms of money, facilities and other resources to do the job of protecting the public. He stated that there is no oversight of the Police Department Rudy Luca stated that his concerns are regarding the salary compensation of the City Manager. He cited various figures and stated that it is outrageous to go back retroactively to the year 2000 and pay a total of $21,726.02. He stated that with the current recession and economy, the City Manager and City Clerk do not need raises now and he encouraged the City Council to turn it down. Joan O'Keefe stated that Walnut Street is a part of the Downtown but is neglected. She stated that excessive dumping occurs. Jerry Fuchs, publisher of the Independent, gave the background on the purchase of the Almanac newspaper. Mr. Fuchs stated he was speaking on behalf of Lettie DeStefano and the Fang Family. He further stated he was told that City staff recommended the public notices be awarded to the Daily News because it is $.03 an inch less than the Independent and it would be more convenient to publish in a daily newspaper. He stated that those reasons are hardly valid to change from the Independent. He further stated that the Independent's circulation is more than 25,000 just in Redwood City compared to the Daily News' circulation of approximately 5,000. He stated that the Independent is audited by an outstanding auditing firm and that the Daily News' circulation is not audited at all. Council Members made various comments regarding the subject of Rick Escobedo. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 2003 MINUTES PAGE 2